Product Description
John Wadham – DRUMS and FRIENDS (CD)
RELEASE DATE: 18th September 2026
John Wadham’s only album as leader, DRUMS and FRIENDS, featuring leading guitarist
Louis Stewart and flautist, Brian Dunning, was recorded in 1978, as Livia’s second release.
Now remixed, remastered, and extended, with new photographs and sleeves notes, the
album is again available, reflecting John’s importance in the Irish jazz scene.
John was the first-choice drummer of Irish jazz for decades. His excellent playing, clever wit,
and warm personality made him a favourite of many visiting jazz musicians as well as local
players, generations of Irish jazz fans, not to mention the hundreds of aspiring drummers
whom he taught.
.
DRUMS and FRIENDS features trios with Brian Dunning and bassist Frank Hess, and with
Louis Stewart and bassist Martin Walsh, and duets with Louis. The tunes are mainly
standards and contemporary compositions plus an exceptionally rare free improvisation with
Louis.
Mainly recorded in 1978 in Dublin’s Pat Hayes Studio, the album also includes two tracks
from Louis Stewart’s Louis the First session recorded in Trend Studios in 1975.
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Drummer, jazz archivist, and former student of John, Conor Guilfoyle, wrote the sleeve notes.
TRACKS
1 Clarence’s Place (Freddie Hubbard) 4:46
2 Floatin’ (Gerry Niewood) 6:10
3 Winter Song (John Surman) 5:00
4 Pompeiian (Bobby Hutcherson) 5:04
5 Improvisation for Guitar and Drums (John Wadham, Louis Stewart) 9:21
6 Lazy Afternoon (Jerome Moross, John La Touche) 5:30
7 Footprints (Wayne Shorter) 9:18 *
8 Seven Steps to Heaven (Miles Davis) 3:42
9 Naima (John Coltrane) 3:45
